Summary:
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said, "We are currently in a comfortable position with reference to beds and ventilators.
We will ensure that the people of Delhi stay safe.
Lockdown is not an option, however, we will be putting some restrictions in place to contain the spread of the virus.
We will release the restrictions in the coming few days.
COVID centres are being rebuilt and some have already started functioning."
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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Saturday ruled out the possibility of another round of stringent lockdown to combat the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in the city, announcing that some sector-specific restrictions are in the offing.
Speaking to reporters after reviewing facilities at the LNJP Hospital here, Kejriwal said authorities are working to reinstate the level of arrangements that were put in place in November, when Delhi had battled the third wave of the virus, with daily case count peaking at 8,593 cases on November 10.
“We are currently in a comfortable position with reference to beds and ventilators.
We will ensure that the people of Delhi stay safe.
Lockdown is not an option, however, we will be putting some restrictions in place to contain the spread of the virus.
We will release the restrictions in the coming few days.
COVID centres are being rebuilt and some have already started functioning,” Kejriwal said.
The government is planning to implement curbs such as allowing fewer people in buses, focus on preventing gatherings during the upcoming navratra festival and prepare the medical infrastructure to combat a November-like situation.
Meanwhile, at LNJP, Kejriwal said, 500 more beds will be designated Covid-dedicated if the situation demands.
Currently, 1,500 beds out of 2,000 are Covid beds in the hospital, which played a crucial role in treatment of infected individuals during the previous waves of the virus.
The chief minister conceded that the health system and agencies “became lax” after the last wave subsided.